[libertysecurity.org]
Jacques
Barrot, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for
freedom, security and justice, has decided to launch a wide-ranging
public consultation as part of the discussions that will result in the
definition of priorities for the period beginning in 2010.
«The creation of an area of freedom,
security and justice is still under way, and it is crucial that
citizens be consulted to help define what that area should look like» explained Vice-President Barrot.»Today
the free movement of citizens is a fact, with 8 million of them working
and residing in a Member State other than their own. Obstacles do
remain, however, to the recognition of such citizens’ rights and to
cooperation among authorities.
One of the European Union’s core objectives is to
provide its citizens with an area of freedom, security and justice
without internal borders. An area in which citizens enjoy protection as
individuals, the respect of their fundamental rights and freedom of
movement. An area in which citizens’ security and their collective
protection are guaranteed by appropriate measures. An area in which a
judicial decision from one Member State can be applied in another and
in which citizens have easier access to justice. And, lastly, an area
that requires concerted management of immigration and asylum.
Many elements come into play in this important effort:
the respect of fundamental rights, citizenship including, for example,
participation in local and European elections, the free movement of
persons, data protection, judicial cooperation in civil and criminal
matters, the fight against drugs, police cooperation, the fight against
terrorism and organised crime, legal and illegal immigration,
integration, asylum and visa policies, and questions related to the
EU’s external borders.
The European Union has made significant progress
towards creating this area of freedom, security and justice. According
to a recent Eurobarometer published in July 2008, a majority of
European citizens attach a great deal of importance to the EU’s actions
in this field.
The impetus has been provided by two successive
multiannual programmes that set out detailed priorities and initiatives
to be taken in the various sectors. The second programme – «The Hague
Programme» – will be more or less completed in 2009.
Now we must look ahead and define the European Union’s
future priorities in this field, addressing major challenges such as
taking greater account of citizens’ interests, an increasingly
globalised world requiring closer cooperation with non-EU countries and
the constant progress of technology.
The Commission has decided to launch this wide-ranging
public consultation as part of the discussions that will result in the
definition of priorities for the period 2010-2014.
Contributions must be submitted by 20 November 2008.
http://ec.europa.eu:8082/justice_home/news/consulting_public/news_consulting_public_en.htm
